Ten Ways to Spa-taneous Relaxation

There are always a million reasons not to get a spa service: time, money, overwhelming choices for services and spas, and always needing to do something else. But time to yourself, where someone physically relaxes you, does wonders for the soul. Don’t believe me? Still afraid to drop the duds and don a bathrobe? I did the dirty work—getting covered in scrubs, muds, oils, powders, herbs, and bubbles—to recommend luxurious spa services in the Twin Cities, plus a few more I’m dying to try.

Red Flower Ritual
Fusion Lifespa is notable for several reasons, from its earth-friendly approach (everything from the paint that goes on nails to the paint on the walls is given careful consideration) to its range of services and soothing, luxurious spa. The Red Flower Ritual is based on ancient Japanese bathing customs. The service, which uses products from luxury brand Red Flower, started with an eight-minute steam soak and cleansing. With my muscles and mind fully relaxed, I then moved to the table for one of the best shiatsu massages ever (I could have melted from the scalp massage alone). After the massage, I was covered and buffed with a skin-smoothing exfoliant. Lastly, I returned to the hydrotherapy tub for a mineral soak complete with bubbles and chromatherapy. Fusion Lifespa, 18142 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven, 952-345-3335

Repechage Four-Layer Facial
Cosmo called this facial the “best facial of the century,” and I agree. Pull Out a Plum really is a plum salon. Located at 50th & France, the gift and retail area is perfect for product junkies and the salon and spa rooms are well-appointed. Most importantly, the level of service is expert and personal. The facial was extraordinarily relaxing—I felt like I was floating—and I was happy to see that Dermalogica products were used. When I left, I was glowing and fresh-faced. Pull Out a Plum Salon & Gallery, 4946 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-922-0634

Honey Renewal Masque & Massage
If you want massage, heat therapy, hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy all in one, this is for you. First, I was slathered from head to toe with warm honey as the room filled with steam. I’d love to recount this in detail, but I think I left my body at some point. I believe exfoliation was involved, and then a steam tent was placed over the table so that steam gathered around my body and helped make a mask of the honey. Then came the deliciousness of the Vichy shower. Sean, my master of relaxation, used a high-powered handheld showerhead, moving it along the body from head to foot (I shivered when it hit my neck, scalp, and back), concentrating on critical stress points. Then, overhead showers were turned on, which sprinkled over my back in a vertical line along my spine. And there was a lovely shampoo to get the honey out. I needed help getting up from the table! Juut experts recommend a thirty-minute massage afterward, which felt like heaven. I lost complete track of time, the outside world, and my internal monologue. The Wayzata location is the only location with Vichy—and also offers changing rooms complete with a shower (not that I needed one), and a basketful of Aveda products to get you prepped. Complimentary makeup touch-ups, too. I looked and felt great when I floated out of there—and for several days afterward. Juut, Colonial Square, 1125 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, 952-404-9955